Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta today unveiled the newly renovated quarters of Engine 282/Ladder 148 in Borough Park, Brooklyn. The firehouse, originally constructed in 1912, underwent a one-year, $4.6 million renovation that included installation of a new apparatus floor and roof, and replacement of the HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems. Repairs were also made to the firehouse's exterior façade. The City's Department of Design and Construction (DDC) created the master renovation plans and oversaw construction. Members of Engine 282 and Ladder 148, who had been detailed to other firehouses in their response area, moved back into their quarters on Monday.

"The City is committed to providing New York's Bravest with not only the best equipment and training, but with improvements to the facilities where they work and serve the people of our City," said Mayor Bloomberg. "We've earmarked money in the 2005 budget to survey all 225 city firehouses to determine which firehouses are most in need, and allocated another $18 million for complete gut rehabs of three more firehouses."

Last Wednesday, members of Engine 1 and Ladder 24 moved back into renovated quarters at 142 West 31st Street in Manhattan's Garment District. Similar construction was completed during the yearlong, $5.2 million rehabilitation. The DDC worked with the Fire Department to redesign the interior spaces to accommodate the size and weight of today's fire apparatus and firefighting equipment. While periodic repairs were made to these firehouses, extensive renovations were required due to age and everyday wear and tear. More than 60 percent of the City's firehouses were built between the 1890s and the 1930s.

"In one week's time, we've reopened two beautifully renovated firehouses and reunited these companies in their quarters," said Fire Commissioner Scoppetta. "The money allocated for next year will ensure that these renovations continue and that we address the needs of our aging firehouses. The Mayor has been responsive to the Department's needs and the funding in next year's budget will make certain that we continue to provide the City with the highest level of fire and EMS service."

In addition to firehouse renovations, the Mayor's 2005 budget calls for $17.4 million to improve the Fire Department's Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System and another $2.3 million to purchase generators for City firehouses.